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Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Kia has launched its bold new full-size Cadenza sedan into a muted segment that has been suppressed by defection to SUVs and crossovers. According to Kelley Blue Book, the segment has been on a steady decline with the category’s new car activity decreasing five percent in July (compared to the same period last year). Nevertheless, the timing of the Cadenza launch could not have come soon enough, as the four-door has been trailing its competitors for a series of months, and its share of activity comprised less than two percent of the total segment in July.

After four years of manufacturing vehicles in the United States, Kia has signaled to the media and consumers that it was taking the brand to the next level. In 2013, the company launched the first-generation Cadenza, which marked a new era for the brand, and it created an opportunity for the brand to compete outside of its traditional segments.

While many full-size sedan competitors such as Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, and Nissan Maxima remain top-of-mind, Cadenza’s luxury appeal warrants shopper looks from the likes of Buick LaCrosse, Lexus ES and Lincoln MKZ, to name a few.

The new Cadenza, which was designed at Kia’s California studio, adopted some changes that will help set it apart, but conceptually the changes do not drift far from the origins of the first-generation Cadenza. One of the most notable exterior changes is the evolution of the signature ‘tiger nose’ grille. There are two different grille inserts, which include diamond butterfly and Intaglio (a vertical pattern), which are standard on the two higher trim models.

In addition to the new grille, the layout of the front fog lamps deliver a unique look that help to deliver the “sophisticated simplicity” that Ray Ng, the Cadenza’s principle exterior designer, describes. There’s no question that the new Cadenza looks sleek “It’s like a tailored athlete, stretching the sheet metal like a fitted shirt,” said Ng. Most of the bells and whistles come standard, but for a buyer who is looking for additional features, the higher trims offer standard 19-inch Alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED front fog lights, puddle lamps, panoramic sunroof with power sunshade and auto rain sensing windshield wipers.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Thinking about a new or used car? Think certified pre-owned. These like-new vehicles benefit consumers because they have been inspected, refurbished and guaranteed by the manufacturer or other authority. In addition, they also typically include an extended warranty, special financing options and other exclusive benefits.

David Nathan, general manager of Gary Rome Kia of Enfield, said, "You can only buy a certified vehicle from the manufacturer that sells them. In other words, I can't certify a Honda, and Chevy can't certify a Kia."

It is important for consumers to note that the upfront cost of certifying a pre-owned vehicle adds value that is greater than the price of the certification. For example, if it costs $500 to certify a vehicle, the result is that the vehicle's value becomes about $1000 greater. Therefore it's as if the buyer of that certified vehicle pocketed $500.

"Most importantly, a certified vehicle extends a powertrain warranty on that vehicle for longer than the state mandates," said Nathan. "So for Kia, you have a five-year, 60,000-mile, bumper-to-bumper warranty as the second owner. When you certify that vehicle, you automatically get a powertrain that takes you to the full 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty that is only offered to the first owner.

Nathan went on to say that certain criteria must be met for a vehicle to be certified, such as the condition of the brakes. If the brakes do not meet the requirement, they may need to be replaced in order to certify the pre-owned vehicle. Other items include tires, which must meet the minimum required remaining tread depth. Many manufacturers require vehicles must also meet a 150-point inspection.

The other thing that consumers should keep in mind is that banks charge much higher on interest rates on used cars that aren't certified. "Consumers benefit when buying certified vehicles because the manufacturer offers lower interest rates on certified vehicles," said Nathan.

"If you are in the market for a certified pre-owned vehicle, you can expect three things," said Nathan. "One, a more intense safety process before a vehicle goes to the used car lot. Number two, you can expect a lower interest rate if you are financing the car from the manufacturer. And number three, you can expect a longer powertrain or safety warranty on that vehicle because it's certified."

Monday, August 29, 2016

The Paris Motor Show is not that far away and this is the event where car makers show off upcoming products along with their concepts. Kia is going to be taking part in the event and they are going to be showing off the next generation Kia Rio.

It looks like they could not hold back on the excitement though as they have now launched an official image of the Kia Rio. The photo shows us that the hatchback is going to arrive with some great looks and if the design of the vehicle is anything to do it is going to be speedy.

The photo of the Kia Rio was revealed along with spy photos of the Rio GT which was seen in testing out on the tracks. It is thought that the Rio GT is going to be the top of the range and as such it will offer up the 1.6 litre turbocharged engine that should come with 4 cylinders and which should offer up 220 horse power.

At the moment these figures have been speculated so we are going to have to wait for the official ones. Should Kia be able to offer up a Rio GT that is high quality at some point in the near future, the Ford Fiesta ST could find itself in a whole lot of trouble.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Before the Volkswagen scandal hit, diesel vehicles were praised for offering up better fuel economy. Along with this EV technology was just coming to the forefront with the public.

For Kia the ultimate dream has been for them to offer up one of the very best green vehicles possible and this is a hybrid that offers up a diesel engine that is clean. Now it looks as though Kia may be about to pull the plug and ditch the diesel hybrid trim as it is looking as though the pricing might not be good enough.

Kia said that the clean diesel engine is expensive while the electric engine has become a great deal cheaper. So in other words it is looking as though they now think that a full EV is going to be better when it comes to costs and greener than the hybrid diesel engine.

Kia finished up by saying that they do still have the diesel hybrid project on the go, but they are rethinking their choice and will come up with the best possible outcome.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

The word "Rio" immediately conjures images of the Olympics, which ended just days ago. But recalibrate your brain. It'sKia's best-selling model around the world and it will be revealed in September at the Paris Motor Show.

The fourth-generation Rio gets a fresh look inside and out. It has a longer wheelbase with a longer hood and front overhang, which Kia says is meant to convey confidence. The sketches released today look similar to the current generation – as we'd expect – but Kia designers dressed it up with a fancier front end and "straight lines and smooth surfacing" which is evident on the sides. Kia also touts the new Rio's safety, connectivity, and improved handling, though it didn't specify the features. You can compare the sketches with the spy shots of a Rio caught running around this week. Rumors also suggest a hotter Rio GT hatch could arrive for 2018.

The sketches show the hatchback variant. Kia also sells the Rio as a sedan in the US market. Globally, the Korean automaker moved more than 473,000 Rios last year, and the new model will launch production near the end of this year for Europe. Timing for launches in other markets was not announced.

Despite low fuel prices and consumer demand for crossovers, Rio sales have inched up slightly this year to 18,699 units, 1,637 ahead of last year's pace through July. Much of those gains came last month, when Kia sold 1,104 more Rios than it did in July 2015. The Rio was last updated in the US market for the 2016 model year.

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

A recent study done by J.D Power for the most reliable car brand for year 2016, has revealed that KIA has topped the rankings this year.

For the first time in 27 years, a non-luxury car brand has come on top in this criteria. Last year, Porsche was on top of the list. According to Reuters, this year, owners of non-premium cars have reported less problems compared to those of luxury cars.

The top ten car brands which are on list of most reliable brands are Kia, Porsche, Hyundai, Toyota, BMW, Chevrolet, Buick, Lexus, Lincoln, and Nissan. Another interesting fact is that US car brands have earned better scores compared to rivals.

If you still think that Toyota is the leading reliable brand, then check out this new report from J.D Power. There was always a debate if KIA should build a sports car like the GT4 Stinger to compete against Toyota and Lexus, but it has already won it in the reliability grounds.

Monday, August 22, 2016

Just what Kia wants to be when it grows up remains something of a mystery—but if it’s a purveyor of premium-feeling, stylish cars, the Cadenza goes a long way toward fulfilling that mission.

While this big sedan doesn’t bring much new to the table against rivals like the Buick LaCrosse, Toyota Avalon, and Hyundai Azera, it delivers a thoroughly polished feel. There’s not an element of the latest Cadenza that reminds us that, just a decade ago, Kia was building cars best described as uncouth.

The new-for-2017 Cadenza builds on the look and feel of its predecessor, but it comes at the full-size sedan segment with a little more vigor. And it needs to, since the last Cadenza was a mere blip in the sales charts overshadowed by almost every rival. Don’t look for the Cadenza to suddenly become Kia’s best seller, but its refinement sets a new high bar for the brand and, with any luck, it will continue to trickle down to the mainstream Optima and Forte.

2017 Kia Cadenza

Fitting in

Kia doesn’t position the Cadenza as a volume model, meaning that even the entry-level Premium model, priced at roughly $33,000, is better equipped than, say, the Chevrolet Impala. Leather seats and 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, a reminder that Kia still delivers a lot of value for the money.

An option package on the Premium—the only optional extra on any Cadenza—adds navigation, a panoramic sunroof, 630 watts of Harman/Kardon audio, blind spot monitors, and rear cross traffic alerts. The Technology trim level (at about $40,000) adds to that adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, a surround-view camera system, LED headlamps, and ventilated front seats. Topping the line is the decadent, roughly $45,000 SXL with upgraded leather, a power trunk lid, and a color head-up display that washes out with polarized sunglasses.

All models are priced about on par with the Buick LaCrosse and Toyota Avalon, though we give Kia credit for making automatic emergency braking a mandatory feature on the Technology and SXL grades.

But refinement is as crucial a selling point in the big sedan segment as value, and the Cadenza certainly delivers that, too. Nearly silent inside, it masks any hint of the outside world with sound deadening materials and laminated glass. That serenity extends to its ride quality, which is firm yet thoroughly devoid of sportiness. Its dashboard recalls Lexus of a decade ago, without ergonomic quirks thanks to logically grouped buttons and a simple infotainment system. Trendy design gestures are limited only to the odd but attractive quilted leather seating surfaces on the range-topping SXL.

Friday, August 19, 2016

Non-luxury large sedans used to be a staple of the U.S. auto market. Once ubiquitous on American highways across the land, the segment has been in decline over decades. Even so, large sedans still comprised 7.3% of the total light vehicle market ten years ago in 2006, selling over 1.2 million units. However, industry forecaster AutoPacific estimates that large sedans will make up a scant 2.3% of the light vehicle market this year, with just over 400,000 units moving off new car dealer lots. In five years, AutoPacific forecasts that large sedans will represent just 1.7% of the light vehicle market, with just over 280,000 units expected to find homes in 2021.

What is behind the decline of the quintessential large sedan? First, sedans in general are declining in popularity as the market continues to migrate to crossover SUVs. With more slippery aerodynamics and advanced powertrain technologies, today’s crossover SUVs offer fuel economy tantalizingly close to that of equivalent sedans. For example, a 2016 Toyota Camry achieves 28 mpg combined, compared to 26 mpg combined for a similarly priced Toyota RAV4. With crossover SUVs offering better visibility, easier ingress/egress, more utility, and a more youthful attitude, with little to no fuel economy penalty, it’s not hard to see why consumer preference is shifting from sedans.

Second, large sedans in particular attract an older customer. AutoPacific’s 2016 New Vehicle Satisfaction Study shows that the median age of today’s large sedan buyer is 61. This means that each year, more people who would be in the market for these traditional large sedans are retiring and buying vehicles less frequently, and some are simply getting out of the market because they have stopped driving altogether.

And so we come to the second generation Kia Cadenza, all new for the 2017 model year. Unveiled at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, it is positioned above the mid-sized Optima and below the K900 luxury sedan. It features attractive and distinctive styling and lots of premium features and finishes for the money. I drove the new Cadenza this week at the national media launch for the car in Middleburg, Virginia, completely relaxed as the big cruiser wafted effortlessly down the state’s scenic highways. I was impressed at the car’s overall refinement, as well as the car’s impressive interior materials and amenities that made it feel like a real luxury car. What other car at its price point offers an Alcantara (synthetic suede) headliner and rear package shelf? None come to mind.

Yet, given the large car segment’s decline and its appeal to older customers, what does Kia, which prides itself on being a dynamic and edgy brand, see in continuing to compete in this market space? From the perspective of Hyundai Motor Group (which oversees both the Hyundai and Kia brands), market realities of the large car segment are being addressed because the similarly sized Hyundai Azera is expected to be withdrawn from the U.S. market soon. Thus, between the Hyundai and Kia brands, only the new Cadenza will go after large sedan buyers in the U.S.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

The second generation of the Kia Cadenza hits the US market, promising to offer better handling, more refinement and improved quality.The new Cadenza is based on a new lighter chassis that’s more than 35 per cent stiffer than the one used by the outgoing model. This is not only improving the handling character of the new model but also helps in achieving a better score in the NVH department.

Power comes from a revised version of the company’s 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine offering 290hp and 253lb ft of peak torque. Kia’s first FWD-based eight-speed automatic gearbox promises a more engaging driving experience as well.

The new chassis is complimented by adaptive shock absorbers and what Kia calls a ‘Hydraulic Rebound Stopper’ that offers a smoother ride over harsh or broken surfaces. 18-inch alloy wheels are offered as standard with optional 19s also available, shod in 245/40 Michelin tires.

Apart from the better quality the cockpit now features a Head Up Display, an updated version of the Surround View Monitor, a wireless phone charger, Kia’s latest UVO infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard and an optional 12-speaker 630-watt Harman/Kardon audio system.

“The new Cadenza adds an extra dose of excitement to the large-car segment with its striking looks and premium refinements,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America. “The Cadenza’s cabin has been improved in early every way, but it’s underneath where the Cadenza truly shines with a stiffer and lighter chassis, eight-speed transmission and vastly improved driving dynamics.”

Lower trim models will come with the “Diamond Butterfly” front grille, known from other Kia models while higher trim ones will get the “Intaglio” grille with the vertically oriented blades. Kia has yet to announce US pricing for the new Cadenza.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Korean car maker Kia Motors has kick-started the process of developing products specifically built for the Indian market to compete with Maruti Suzuki, the biggest car maker.

The company, more than one-third of which is owned by India's second largest firm Hyundai, thus opened a research and development centre in Hyderabad that is already operational.

Kia, known globally for its compact cars, has begun talks with states for finalising a green field manufacturing plant in India. Government officials from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where Hyundai has its plant, have met Kia officials and offered land, according to sources.

The R&D centre in Hyderabad supports design and evaluation of automobiles with a focus on developing localised products, a note in Kia's latest annual report said. The India centre is one of six outside Korea. Kia, Korea's second largest company after Hyundai, has such R&D centres in the US, Europe, Japan and China. While a R&D centre specially for India may not be new, what makes Kia stand out is that it has not followed the product-first-R&D centre-later norm. For instance, Hyundai's R&D centre came up around a decade after the company set foot in India. French car maker Renault too adopted a similar pattern. Companies generally test the waters before committing investments when entering a new market.

Kia, however, has made a break from that pattern and aims to go after volumes that it hopes would come from products developed keeping in mind local taste and needs. This investment is despite sales slowing in the world's biggest auto market, China. Besides China, Kia is facing slowdown in Russia and other Asian markets. Last year, Kia witnessed worldwide retail sales of 2.91 million units, reporting a flat growth compared to a year ago, when it recorded sales of 2.90 million units.

Kia's retail entry into India, expected to happen before the turn of the decade, will most certainly impact Maruti Suzuki. Kia could look at the compact car segment, which forms around half the domestic market. As Hyundai has already declared its intentions of shifting focus to the premium customers with products like Creta and Elite i20, the void in the cost-competitive segment (sub Rs 4.5 lakh) could be filled by Kia.

Globally, Hyundai and Kia, like Volkswagen and Skoda, and Renault and Nissan, share platforms to make projects cost-effective and generate profits faster. Kia has developed its own models based on shared platforms, which Hyundai has used for making the i10, i20, Elantra, Accent and Tucson. The affordable small car segment has shown a resurgence recently with robust demand seen for the Renault Kwid, Tata Tiago and Datsun redi-Go. Maruti too has shifted focus from its bread-and-butter Alto-Wagon R segment to the premium segment with products like Baleno, Vitara Brezza, S-Cross and Ciaz. This has allowed rivals to eat into its market share.Source

Monday, August 15, 2016

“Help me Rondo yeah”… I’ve always wanted to weave a Beach Boys lyric into a vehicular review and the2017 Kia Rondo Platinum has been the best – if somewhat lame – opportunity for me to do so.

The Kia Rondo sits in an automotive no man’s land. It’s not a people mover and it’s not an SUV, but if you need to transport some vertically challenged singing troubadours (See what I did there?) around town, the three-row Rondo might just be the most space-efficient way to get the job done.

Like the Beach Boys’ last chart topper, it’s been a while between drinks for us at CarAdvice in regard to the Rondo. Just over 12 months in fact, since we last stepped into one (in Platinum guise that time too) and gave it a solid 7.5 overall.

The Kia Rondo might not have made Matt Campbell’s recent list of cars Australians should be buying more of but don’t, but it remains a sensible, compact people-moving option for family buyers on a budget. You might get trampled in the rush toward the Sportage or Sorento in your Kia dealership, but that doesn’t mean the smart money isn’t being spent just outside the wildly popular SUV segments.

While the Rondo doesn’t have many competitors and while it isn’t quite sure exactly what it is, there’s little doubt it’s a good-looking compact people mover. Have you looked at a BMW 2-Series Active Tourer recently? You can’t unsee what you’ve already seen. The Rondo, on the other hand, is nicely proportioned, well executed and devoid of any styling ugliness.